I uncovered a simple life lesson from my son’s kindergarten
Christmas program last night that I would like to share.
Let me start by setting the scene.
The program is set to take place in the school gymnasium.
The nervous performers are already inside getting set up.
The doors are closed so the entire audience gathers up outside;
eagerly anticipating rushing in to get the best seats when the
doors are finally opened so they can get the best view of their
little angels.
Finally, the doors are opened and it is like a cattle stampede.
People, while trying to look polite, dashing to the front row for a seat.
I managed to grab seats in the second row, whew!!!!!
I settled in with the remainder of my family for a wonderful exhibition.
I’m sitting near the end of the row, with my wife and oldest son to my left.
The end seat, to my right, is empty.
I repeat, the end seat is empty.
In the aisle, people remain standing as all the seats appear taken.
People are squeezing into any available space.
Yet, the seat next to me remains vacant.
Moms are holding their screaming babies.
Dads are adjusting their cameras and camcorders.
Grandparents are doing what grandparents do.
Yet, the end seat next to me still remains vacant.
Dozens of people walk past me, clearly seeing the single empty seat.
The funny thing is, no one stops to ASK me if it’s available.
I comment to my wife, who’s to the left of me.
“There’s 40 people standing in the aisle next to me, but not one
person has ASKED if they could sit there or if the seat was even available”.
I went so far as to remove my coat from the chair, giving further evidence
that the seat was available.
Still, not ONE soul stepped forward.
The MC for the evening, instructed everyone to “make room” for those standing
in the aisles and the outer hallways.
Still, not ONE soul inched forward to ASK me about the seat.
So there I am, beyond amused, chuckling to myself.
Waiting for someone to be BOLD enough to ASK a stranger (ME) if the seat
next to me was available.
Finally, just as the concert was about to start, an older gal tapped me on the
shoulder and ASKED if anyone was sitting there.
I politely replied back saying that the seat was hers, just for ASKING.
She got a seat because she was BRAVE enough to ASK.
People who had been standing there before her for 30+ minutes looked at each
other as if to say “Why didn’t I ask that guy for that seat?"
Interesting isn’t it?
How most people will NOT ask for fear of being......
Can you GUESS?
REJECTED.
Yep, REJECTED.
Even for something as simple as a free seat for a kindergarten Christmas concert.
They feared being told something like…
“I’m sorry, but the seat is being reserved”
Here’s their instant thought process…
“I look like an idiot because a stranger told me NO.”
“I better duck back into the shadows of the walls so no body stares at me after
being rejected.”
Ever think like that?
I have but I outgrew that disease long ago.........
The same scenario happens at movie theaters, too.
Too many people are AFRAID to ask someone else “hey, are those two seats on the end taken”?
It’s amazing.
What can be accomplished and acquired simply by ASKING.
Such as…
Want to go out with someone, ASK.
Want a promotion, ASK.
Want to go somewhere, ASK.
Want to change your food order or get something that’s not on the menu, ASK.
Want to get upgraded seats, ASK.
Want a reduced price, ASK.
Want to be compensated for the mechanics error, ASK.
Want to get married, ASK.
Want a prospect to buy from you, ASK.
WAIT!
Say that again…
Want a prospect to buy from you, ASK.
Yep, that’s right.
I went there!
In fact, I wrote a book and have made a small fortune based on asking questions!
Are YOU afraid to ASK people for MONEY?
Are YOU afraid to ask people to join your business?
Are YOU afraid to ask why they’re not interested?
Are you afraid to make a cold call?
Are YOU afraid to follow-up with a 2nd phone call?
Are YOU afraid to ask for help, for fear of looking stupid?
If you’re afraid to ASK, then you’ll remain BROKE.
Askers make the MOST money in ANY program or business.
Askers are NOT afraid to ask for the sale.
Even the high school kids working at McDonald ASK you if you want to "Super Size" it!
Askers are NOT afraid to find out WHY a prospect is hesitating.
In short…
Askers are leaders.
They make things happen for themselves.
They don’t wait around for others to make a move.
They make the moves others are too shy to make.
Like the nice lady who asked for the seat next to me.
She’s an ASKER.
She could give a hoot what my response was.
All she cared about was getting a seat.
Yes or no, she still ASKED.
What about YOU?
What are YOU afraid to ASK for?
Take it from someone who was once AFRAID to ASK!
(yep, ME!)
It’s not a fun feeling to see something or someone that you want disappear
right in front of your eyes just because you allowed fear and hesitation to slither
in to create that PAUSE....
You waited just long enough for someone else to come in for the steal and reap
the benefits you wanted to enjoy.
Guaranteed, someone was standing in the aisle last night, secretly pondering
the move to ASK me for the seat next to me and then was blind sided by the
woman who swooped in for the victory.
Happens all the time, in all sorts of places, events, and situations.
But don’t let it happen to YOU.
Get yourself out there and start ASKING for what you want.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see that the Universe is partial to people who
know what they want and are willing to ASK for it.
People will move and mold around your desires when you ASK all because they
see that you had the spine and confidence to ASK for that which you desire.
Simple, but stunningly effective.
The power of asking can make your dreams come true.
So, as you can see, ASKING opens doors.
However, most people don't ask for enough.
They ask for a 40 hour paycheck and they get just that.
ASK for more out of life.
ASK if anyone is sitting there.
ASK yourself, "How can I?"
Move from in front of the cash register to BEHIND it for once in your life.
ASK and ye shall receive.
The concept is all over the GOOD book and for good reason.
Don’t you think it's time for you to exercise the REAL you instead of
standing in the aisle?
Dare to be different; and ASK!
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